Oklahoma Nut Candy

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparation:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 2 cups of sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely melted—this should take around 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the remaining 4 cups of sugar and the heavy cream. Simmer over low heat until the sugar in the small saucepan is fully melted.
4. Carefully pour the melted sugar from the small saucepan into the large saucepan with the cream mixture, stirring continuously.
5. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the mixture reaches 244°F, known as the softball stage.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda until fully combined.
7. Add the butter and vanilla, stirring until the butter has melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
8. Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes.
9. After resting, stir in the chopped nuts until the candy mixture loses its sheen.
10. Pour the candy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Let it cool for 1–2 hours or overnight. Once set, cut into small squares to serve.

Enjoy!